Nature’s fiber, defined by and evolved for extremes, is given the highest vote of confidence and will once again be put to the ultimate test at sea.

Dating back to 1851, America’s Cup is the most prestigious event in the sailing world where teams race for the oldest trophy in any international sport. To compete at this level, the performance of every gram of material brought onboard needs to be carefully considered – including the team uniforms.

Last year, the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli sailing team turned to Merino wool as they challenged the Defender, Emirates team New Zealand. Now, in a huge vote of confidence, they have renewed their partnership with The Woolmark Company as their official technical partner in the 37^th America’s Cup, scheduled to take place in Barcelona, Spain in autumn 2024.

“I am pleased about the renewal of the technical partnership with The Woolmark Company, on the road to the 37th America’s Cup. Wearing good quality sportswear for a team like Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli means enhancing our performance,” says Max Sirena Team Director and Skipper of the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team, and continues:

“After testing the garments in a wide range of conditions during the previous America’s Cup, we discovered the unique properties of Merino wool in terms of elasticity, breathability, comfort, insulation, and water resistance. Having had an excellent experience with these uniforms, we took the opportunity to develop a training kit together.”

The perfect equation

Performance aside, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli saw other attractive attributes in Merino wool that made it a clear choice. Such as the fact that it is 100% natural, for example, as well as a renewable and recyclable material. Moreover, they considered its biodegradability to be particularly aligned with their sustainability policy, as wool does not contribute to marine microplastic pollution.

As Prada Group Marketing Director & Head of Corporate Social Responsibility Lorenzo Bertelli explains, the combination of performance and sustainability makes for the perfect equation:

“The last edition proved how Merino wool is the perfect partner to ensure high-quality performances thanks to its natural qualities. We are pleased to extend the presence of this 100% natural fiber also in the training uniforms, underlining once again the team’s commitment to safeguarding the oceans.”

Find out more and follow the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team ahead of the competition here!

Photos: The Woolmark Company